Grundy Center families remember former coach and teacher

Posted:
Friday, September 10, 2010 5:22 PM EDT

GRUNDY CENTER (KWWL) -- An Eastern Iowa community remembered a beloved coach and teacher under the Friday night lights. Two weeks ago, 36-year old Clint McCartin died just days after doctors diagnosed him with cancer.

"One of the best guys you could ever imagine. Would do anything for anybody, and never asked for anything in return," recalled his brother, Dan McMartin.

Normally you'd see a sea of maroon and white in Grundy Center on a Friday night. But this week, it was replaced by orange. It was in their hair and on their feet. What it means, is "Mr. Mc" is in their heart.

The reality of their teacher and coach's death is still sinking in for many current and former students.

"I thought it wasn't true, I thought it was a rumor. But it was true," recalled seventh grader Dalyn Maxson.

Parents and students in Grundy Center are trying to ease the pain for the McMartin family. They organized a benefit dinner and auction to raise money. Wife, Caryn, was a stay-at-home mom, so Clint's death also meant their family's main source of income is gone.

But beyond the financial struggles, the importance of the benefit is to provide comfort and support at a time when the McMartin family, and many others in Grundy Center, need it most.

"His purpose was to make a difference in those kids lives and to make an impact, that they know how important it is to be a good role model. To be a good husband and to be a good friend, to be a good father, and I think you can see that right now -- that he has shown so much love to these young kids and they are just showing it back to us and his family," said Caryn McMartin.

To learn how you can help the McMartin family and help fight cancer, click here.